Thursday, February 7, 2013

An attractive, healthy smile is an
asset that can last a lifetime. Not only will orthodontic treatment influence
how you feel about yourself, it will also contribute to how healthy and stable
your teeth are in the long run. Selecting the right orthodontist for you and your
family is too important to simply accept the lowest bid. All smiles are not created
equally and just because a dentist has a license is no guarantee that you will
be happy with the results. Here are some points you may want to consider as you
choose your orthodontist:

First,
consider the organization of the office and staff. Although you may not
understand malocclusions or treatment mechanics, you can tell a well-run office
when you see one. Is everything clean and in its place? Is the technology and
equipment up-to-date? Is the staff friendly, well-trained, and helpful? If so,
it is safe to assume that an equal amount of care will go into the treatment
they will provide. The quality of care you will receive will mirror the level of
organization and technology of the office.

Second,
what is the doctor’s attitude towards his job? Will the doctor be passionate
about your child’s care and can he or she communicate a vision of your
treatment plan so that it makes sense? A good orthodontist will examine your
child at every appointment to make sure that treatment stays on schedule. Not
all orthodontists are “hands-on” and it shows.

Third, is
the orthodontist really a good doctor? How did you find him, a recommendation
or an advertisement? Have you actually seen his work? Do you have friends who
can vouch for him? There is a misconception that as long as a doctor has a
degree, he’ll be able to give you the same results as anyone else. If that was
the case, finding the lowest fee would make sense. Unfortunately, not all
treatment is the same. A good orthodontist will be very particular about their
final results while others are content just going through the motions. A good
orthodontist will have an eye for beauty and understands the factors that make
up an esthetic smile as well as a functionally sound bite. For something this
important, you should ask to see actual examples of their work.

Fourth, is
your orthodontist board certified?Board
certification is a voluntary
examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) that allows the
orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert
examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Involvement in the
certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist's pursuit of
continued proficiency and excellencein clinical orthodontics.In fact, Dr. Wheeler is one of only two board certified orthodontists situated
between South Sacrament and Modesto.Dr.
Wheeler also is an Assistant Clinical Professor at his alma mater, University of California, San Francisco, where he helps
teach clinically and didactically the next generation of orthodontists.

Finally,
how do you feel when you are in the office? Is it a good fit for you and your
family? A good office should be a happy, fun place. Unlike your family
physician that you only see when you are sick, you will be visiting your
orthodontist and his staff for at least a couple of years, sometimes longer if
the treatment is done in two parts or phases. You should feel very comfortable
and safe.
The doctor and staff should make you feel at home.

All orthodontic treatment is NOT the
same. The facilities and technology are a reflection of the orthodontist who
will create the smile that you or your child will have the rest of your life.
You really need to vet the doctor to whom you will entrust this important care.
As with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. When it comes to
your smile, you can’t afford to make a mistake.

About Me

Welcome to Wheeler Orthodontics, a respected provider in your orthodontic care community. We are located in Stockton, CA, and serve patients in the Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, and Tracy area. Our practice's top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry such as, invisible ceramic braces, self ligating brackets with 3M and Damon Q, Incognito (invisible lingual braces) and Invisalign, along with the latest in computer technology (digital imaging and advanced computer graphics) to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible.
We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors. Whether you're an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve - a healthy, beautiful one!